How Long Does it Take to File an 18 Wheeler Claim?
It may take longer for a claim from a car accident to be settled than a 18-wheeler accident. The majority of truck accidents are caused by serious injuries.
However, each truck accident is unique and there are many variables that impact the length of time it takes to reach a settlement. Here are a few of the most important elements.
Insurance claims
As with all vehicles on the road, 18 wheeler truckers are required to carry a minimum amount insurance. This is for a reason; collisions with large trucks can cause more serious injuries and property damage than a regular car accident. In fact, these crashes often result in death and catastrophic injuries. This is why it is crucial that the victims of these accidents file a claim for the compensation they deserve.
While insurance for 18 wheelers is essential but it isn't always easy to find policies that satisfy all your requirements. Depending on the kind of cargo your trucks carry you might require additional types of coverage. Hazmat carriers, for instance could require liability insurance of up to $5 million. Towing insurance as well as trailer exchange insurance and cargo insurance are all possible policies.
A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in determining what kind of insurance is required by your company. They can also assist you in negotiating with insurance companies so that your claim will be correctly resolved. In some cases, insurance companies will attempt to minimize their liability by claiming that they are liable for comparative negligence. This could severely diminish your claim. A lawyer can assist you disprove these claims and get the maximum compensation that you are entitled to. A knowledgeable lawyer will ensure that you get the funds you need to recover, regardless of how you were injured in your accident.
Settlements
In most cases, the person who was injured of a truck collision will be offered a settlement before filing an action. The insurance company of the trucking company or legal team will make this offer, which will usually be significantly less than what the victim is entitled to. The victim should not accept this offer without talking to an attorney for personal injuries first.
The value of the settlement will depend on various factors, including the severity of the injuries and property damage. It is also contingent upon medical expenses. Other damages that are not economic can also be a factor, particularly in the event that the crash has left you physically and emotionally distressed. These damages are hard to quantify and require professional analysis.
The determination of liability is a key factor that determines the final amount of compensation. If you can prove that the person responsible for the accident violated traffic laws, was negligent, or caused the accident by an act of negligence, they will be held accountable for the damages. However, there are other legal defenses that could limit their liability, such as comparative fault or contributory negligence.
The owner of the trucking company may also be held responsible for the accident. This could happen if the driver of the truck was operating in poor conditions or the company did not maintain the vehicle in good repair. Furthermore, if the cargo was not properly loaded or a portion of the truck was not working properly, the cargo loading and shipping company could be held responsible.
Filing a lawsuit
If the insurance company fails to settle the claim in a fair manner, you may have no choice but to bring a lawsuit. This could delay the resolution of your case, however, it could also lead to a greater award of damages. If you decide to settle or go to trial, a seasoned truck accident attorney is your best bet.
You need someone to protect your interests as insurance companies will attempt to reduce the value of your claim. A Lafayette truck accident attorney can examine your accident and determine the value of the damages to ensure that you get the most compensation.
In the majority of 18-wheeler accidents there are many parties that are responsible. For instance, if the truck driver was drunk or violating hours of service regulations or his employer could be held responsible. In addition, the maker of a vehicle part or repair shop could be held responsible when a defect in a component caused the accident.
Additionally, cargo loading or shipping companies can be held liable for accidents involving their trucks. The trucks should be loaded and transported in a safe manner so as to avoid tipping or being jackknifed. Thus, the companies have to adhere to strict safety guidelines. You can also recover non-economic losses like pain and discomfort.
Trial
The majority of cases involving truck accidents are resolved through negotiations with the insurance company. A fair settlement should include all of your medical expenses or treatment costs, as well as other losses you may have and will incur. An attorney can help you determine what your future damages might be, as well as whether punitive damages may be applicable.
An experienced attorney can help you through this process. The extent of your injuries will determine how much compensation you will receive. Some injuries will only affect you for just a few months or weeks, while others will have a longer or permanent impact on your life.
In 18 wheeler accident lawsuit oceanside -wheeler accidents it may take a while to determine who is responsible. This is due to the possibility that there could be multiple responsible parties such as the driver of the truck as well as the company which employs them. In some cases there may be mechanical issues with the vehicle which cause an accident. In this situation it could be necessary to hold the repair shop or manufacturer responsible for the damages.
There are a myriad of variables that could affect the size of an 18-wheeler's settlement, however, these cases tend to have larger settlements overall as compared to cases involving cars. This is due to the severity of the injuries and the damages that may be caused by these accidents.